OFFENSE (B)

Redshirt freshman center Dan Voltz, filling in for injured Dallas Lewallen, fell off his blocks at times. However, there were several times he sustained his blocks to open holes for the backs and generally held up in pass protection.

Quarterback Joel Stave missed two throws that stand out.

He underthrew a ball to Jared Abbrederis near the BYU 20 in the first quarter. Instead of a touchdown, the ball was tipped away by safety Daniel Sorensen. Then in the third quarter he threw long and wide toward the left corner of the end zone and Abbrederis, who was wide open, could not make a spectacular catch near the boundary.

But Stave, who continues to show improved pocket presence, did a better job looking for receivers not named Jared Abbrederis. Perhaps his most impressive trait is that he doesn't let a missed throw bother him.

Running, receiving, blocking and improvising, senior tailback James White was outstanding. Give him another game ball.

Fullback Derek Watt is a terrific blocker. Check out his cut block on a safety on White's 25-yard run on the second play of the Badgers' 92-yard touchdown drive to push the lead to 27-10. When backs follow Watt, tight end Jacob Pedersen and pulling guard Ryan Groy over the right they generally pick up significant yardage.

Kenzel Doe's lost fumble likely cost UW points. If Doe had put the ball in his outside arm (left) after making the catch over the middle, the BYU defender would not have been able to strip the ball.

DEFENSE (A-)

The return of linebacker Chris Borland was significant. His ability to close on the ball and then deliver a blow continues to impress. And he used a beautiful spin move to get in the face of quarterback Taysom Hill, which led to a first-quarter interception.

However, with each game it becomes more apparent UW has a gem in defensive coordinator Dave Aranda and a talented defensive staff overall.

The variety of personnel packages UW used, including a 2-4-5 that featured four safeties, demonstrated how players have developed since camp.

Consider these numbers: 13 players had at least two tackles on defense, including nine with at least four.

Safety Michael Caputo, a redshirt sophomore, is solid in coverage and attacks the line of scrimmage like a linebacker.

Safety Tanner McEvoy is showing up more and more. If you're speculating about where he might line up next season, remember that Aranda loves him at safety.

Has anyone noticed the improved play of sophomore cornerback Darius Hillary? The staff has, because Hillary was on the field a lot Saturday.

SPECIAL TEAMS (B)

BYU's Adam Hine entered the game third nationally on kickoff returns with a 31.9-yard average. Hine had returns of 29, 24, 10, 11 and 29 yards for a 20.6-yard average. The effort by wide receiver Jordan Fredrick to bring down Hine on the 10-yard return late in the second quarter was fabulous.

Doe isn't adept at running up to field short punts but he was more assertive in calling off his blockers than he was a week earlier. His quick feet and vision were critical on a 26-yard punt return that set up a field goal in the third quarter.

It will be interesting to see if sophomore Jack Russell can build off the 38- and 26-yard field goals he hit.

COACHING (A)

The defensive game plan was impressive. The two-minute touchdown drive at the end of the first half suggests a unit that is well-drilled. The work of the kickoff-coverage unit was needed against a dangerous return man.